Antoine, Jack, Louis, Victor, and Willis are taking on the ultimate endurance challenge—rowing across the Mediterranean from Ibiza to Barcelona, covering over 300 km. This tough challenge pushes their physical limits and mental resilience as they face unpredictable weather, waves, and fatigue while rowing for up to several days. With no rest stops and nothing but the open sea ahead, this journey will test their endurance like never before.

The team is rowing to raise awareness for NOMAN, a campaign fighting the HPV-related cancer epidemic. HPV causes 5% of all cancers, yet most people remain unaware of its link to cancers beyond cervical cancer. NOMAN advocates for universal HPV vaccination, which can prevent these cancers. Over 60 countries now protect both boys and girls, but the mission isn't over—NOMAN won't stop until every country is on board. Join the movement to stop HPV-related cancers and protect future generations.

Let's meet the team.

VICTOR CLAES

I’m from Belgium but have been soaking up the Spanish sun in Madrid for the last five years, where I spend my days promoting Belgium’s finest beers – like Chouffe and Duvel.

When Antoine asked me to join this adventure, I did not hesitate. This is not our first one together and he knows I’m always up for a big adventure. That said, this will be my first ultra-endurance race… so let’s hope I haven’t underestimated what I’ve signed up for! The physical challenge is definitely daunting, but I’m sure my love for the sea and our awesome team will make it more enjoyable. There’s no doubt we’ll share plenty of laughs along the way 😉

Of course, this isn’t just about the thrill of the challenge. I’m incredibly proud that we can use this opportunity to raise awareness about HPV-related cancers and support the amazing work NOMAN is doing. They’re making a real impact, and I’m honored to be part of it.

WILLIS BLOUNT

I’m Will, though everyone calls me Willis – not sure why, but it’s stuck! I live and work in London as a Superyacht Designer, which is also where I grew up. That said, I’ve spent most of my weekends and holidays on the North Coast of Cornwall, where my parents now live, so the sea has always played a huge role in my life.

Last year, Jack (Harland) invited me to join the Noman ocean rowing challenge with the rest of the team. It had been a while since my last physical challenge (the OMM Ultramarathon in the Lake District), so when he asked, I didn’t hesitate to say yes.

Regardless, I’m incredibly proud to be supporting the cause to prevent HPV-related cancers and raise awareness about this relentless disease that impacts so many lives. And, of course, it’ll be entertaining to watch Jack face (or succumb to) his fear of being out of sight of land for four days. Who could resist that?

ANTOINE DEVILLE

My name is Antoine. I’m from Belgium and have been navigating the business world in Africa for the past few years—starting in Kenya, moving to Cameroon, and now finally settling in Ivory Coast.

I’ve been thinking about taking on this challenge for a while, but now we’ve found the perfect team to actually make it happen. I grew up with Louis and Victor, and we’ve done plenty of sports (and probably just as much nonsense) together. I met Jack in Kenya, and we hit it off right away—same silly jokes and his laugh is just ridiculously funny and as for Willis… well, I’ve never met him, but apparently, he’s a solid guy. Let’s hope that’s true—otherwise, it’s going to be a long 300 km.

I’ve never rowed before, but we do love a good challenge. And I have no doubt we’ll conquer this one with plenty of laughs (and probably a few sore muscles).

But beyond the madness of rowing for days on end, this is about something much bigger. I’m incredibly proud that we’re using this adventure to raise awareness for HPV-related cancers and support NOMAN’s incredible mission. They’re making a real impact, and I’m honored (and slightly nervous) to be part of it!

JACK HARLAND

Hi, I’m Jack. I’ve lived most of my life in the UK but I’m currently based in Cape Town.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve suffered from lower back pain — and in a moment of what can only be described as questionable logic, I decided the best way to fix it would be to sign up for an endurance rowing adventure.

Now, for context: I don’t particularly like the sea. I also don’t particularly like small boats. So naturally, I’ve agreed to row across open water in a boat that is both very small and very much at sea. The NOMAN is definitely not where I belong — this is going to be absolute hell for me.

Which is why, of course, you should donate the big bucks.

In my normal life, I run a Longevity company where we focus on helping people live healthier, longer lives — and a huge part of that is prevention. So I know first-hand how vital the work NOMAN does is in preventing HPV-related cancers. It’s important, it’s life-changing, and it’s worth backing.

Thanks for your support — and wish me luck. I’ll need it

LOUIS HOTTLET

Hi, I’m Louis — I’m 28 years old and originally from Belgium. I’ve always loved being on the water, so when Antoine asked me to join this adventure, I didn’t hesitate for a second. I’ve known him and Victor since we were kids, and when those two are involved, it’s usually a mix of serious challenge and total madness. Let’s just hope we don’t regret it halfway through.

I work in the frozen seafood industry — which sounds like it might come in handy, but catching live fish while rowing is probably a bit trickier than dealing with frozen ones. Still, I’ll do my best to bring some sea skills to the table.

I’m excited to get to know the rest of the team — and very curious to see if Antoine actually turns into a bodybuilder by the end of this.

All jokes aside, this challenge is about much more than pushing our physical limits. I’m proud to support NOMAN and their mission to prevent HPV-related cancers. It’s a meaningful cause, and I’m honored to be part of it.